Heartburn?  Skip These Foods

According to the National Library of Medicine, more than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month. Some studies suggest that more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn symptoms each day. The symptoms of heartburn are a tight, painful feeling through your chest caused by acid reflux, which happens when stomach acid is…

Unfortunate Side Effects of Coffee

Over 180 million Americans start the day with coffee to get going. Some people enjoy their coffee and apparently have no health issues with drinking it. There are, however, some unfortunate side effects of coffee, particularly when it becomes so addictive that you find it difficult to go a day without it.

Probiotics Offer IBS Relief

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastrointestinal condition in North America with an estimated 30 to 50 million sufferers. Yet it remains one of the most difficult to treat. The chronic and often debilitating symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and/or diarrhea. Treating IBS can be a difficult process for doctors…

The Connection Between Stress and Heartburn

When you experience stress – either chronic stress or ongoing tension from life’s little stressors – your digestive health is impacted. Psychological stress can impair contraction of the GI tract, induce inflammation and even increase your susceptibility to infection.  The connection between stress and heartburn is so strong that researchers have found that patients seeking therapy… Read more »

Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics Together

Many people with gastrointestinal disorders have found comfort in taking digestive enzymes and probiotics together.  Friendly bacteria (probiotics) and enzymes are both located in the digestive tract. In fact, healthy bacteria in our bodies actually produce certain enzymes to assist with digestion. Often, supplementation of both enzymes and probiotics are needed to provide optimal digestion and intestinal…

How to Avoid Holiday Heartburn

If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn, Thanksgiving can be a painful holiday.  Overeating tends to exacerbate both of these conditions and it’s almost an American tradition to stuff yourself as well as the turkey.  But by making some better choices, you can avoid holiday heartburn while still enjoying the feast. Start with Salad… Read more »

Five of the Worst Foods for IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a group of symptoms that affect your digestive system. It’s a common but uncomfortable gastrointestinal disorder. People with IBS often experience excessive gas, abdominal pain, and cramps. IBS is considered a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. These conditions are caused by problems in how your gut and brain work together. In turn,… Read more »

Ten Tips for Nighttime Heartburn Relief

You know the feeling.  You snuggle into bed hoping to get a restful night’s sleep.  And that burning sensation starts creeping into your chest.  You toss and turn and perhaps eventually fall asleep.  Only to wake up a few hours later with terrible heartburn.  There goes your good night of sleep.  Fortunately, there are things… Read more »

Mashed Potatoes Light

Mashed potatoes are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner.  Who doesn’t love that creamy, butter-laden goodness topped with a hearty helping of gravy?  But if you’re trying to live a more healthy life, you might feel like you should skip the whipped.  Fear not, here are some tips to lighten up your favorite… Read more »

Digestive Enzymes and Crohn’s Disease

According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition that affects 1.4 million Americans annually, with most patients diagnosed before the age of 30. What is Crohn’s Disease? According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Crohn’s disease is one of two major chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, known as IBD.  Crohn’s disease produces severe… Read more »